It seems the whole world is wracked with violence lately. One turns on the news and hears of violence on a global and even national scale. It’s easily dismissed, isn’t it? Especially when it doesn’t concern you or your loved ones. But when it hits close to home, the realization dawns that this is real and this is possible even here in south Louisiana.

The recent tragedy in Lafayette was, to me, mind numbing and senseless. It could have been any one of my family, friends, or coworkers in the theater that night. I ask that God comfort the families of those killed and wounded. As Thomas Paine once said, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

We have to remember that real, living people were involved in this tragedy. I turn on the news and all I hear are the topics of “gun laws” and “mental health care reform.” Don’t get me wrong..these topics may need to be addressed but in due time. This is not the time for using tragedy as a political excuse. It is a time of grieving and remembrance for all those involved. It seems to me that lately the human race as a whole has lost the meaning of what it is to be “humane.” We have to step back and instead of looking at the global picture, start with the simplicity of one person caring for another. If only that idea would catch on, then I would hope the world would be a better place and hate and violence would be forgotten. Will this happen in our lifetime? Sadly to say, no. But I hold out hope for the future. I do not think we are beyond redemption.

“I think people need to be educated to the fact that marijuana is not a drug. Marijuana is an herb and a flower. God put it here. If He put it here and He wants it to grow, what gives the government the right to say that God is wrong?”

–Willie Nelson

“Some of my finest hours have been spent on my back veranda, smoking hemp and observing as far as my eye can see.”

–Thomas Jefferson

“Why is marijuana against the law? It grows naturally upon our planet. Doesn’t the idea of making nature against the law seem to you a bit . . . unnatural?”

–Bill Hicks

“It really puzzles me to see marijuana connected with narcotics . . . dope and all that crap. It’s a thousand times better than whiskey – it’s an assistant – a friend.”

–Louis Armstrong

“Two of my favorite things are sitting on my front porch smoking a pipe of sweet hemp, and playing my Hohner harmonica.”

–Abraham Lincoln

“If the words ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ don’t include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn’t worth the hemp it was written on.”

–Terence McKenna

Contact your US and Louisiana lawmakers today and tell them that you support legalizing and regulating the recreational use of marijuana. Search the Internet and find that it is easy to email them. Also, search for “Louisiana HB 117 2015”, and write your Louisiana representative and tell them you support it.

An evening that would have been a normal family outing for us was tainted by the recent harrowing experience at the Grand 16 Theater in Lafayette.

I had an uneasy, almost sickening feeling, as I stood at the ticket window debating on whether to purchase tickets to the movie or turn around and retreat to the security inside of my home. My instinct was to turn away but as a mother, leader and protector, I chose to take a step forward and try to face my fears head-on. I made this decision more for my daughter than myself.

Having grown up in the quaint town of Jennings, where everyone knew each other by name, it’s been quite life-altering to move away from that.

We seldom locked our doors and many nights we slept with the windows unlocked and open. My mind still drifts back to the innocence of my childhood days when I hear cricket sounds in the darkness of the night.

Fast-forward a few years to a job transfer to Houston for my husband and my children learning to adjust to life in a large city. I became more aware of my surroundings and always strived to give my children a sense of security and safety in our everyday life.

I managed three more relocations for our family throughout the years that followed before settling down in a quiet neighborhood in Lafayette. I have embraced our life here as well as feeling that the community has embraced us as a family. In essence, I feel protected, as we have steadfastly put roots down in this great city.

My heart is so heavy for the families of loved ones that were brutally taken away from them by the senseless act of violence in the theater on what started out just like our evening did. Couples, friends, teachers, and families all innocently wanting to get together for an evening of entertainment in one of the “happiest cities” in the country. Even though the core of our city has been brutally assaulted by an individual with a vengeful soul, I felt that I had an obligation to try to reinstate a sense of security in my daughter.

My eyes filled with tears as I sat next to her, holding her hand and reassuring her that not all of mankind is so callous. She was very anxious and continually looked over her shoulder as if waiting for another incident to occur. I persistently tried to distract her and calm her fears.

I was so infuriated when I realized that there was a young man seated a few rows behind us that was recording the movie with his phone camera. My daughter saw the unrecognizable device and mistook it as something evil. I restrained myself from discussing this incident with the thief or management. I was not going to instigate a confrontation, but must we live in fear this way?

I merely explained to my daughter that this individual will have to answer for his actions to a higher power one day, just as the man that stole the innocence of the residents of Lafayette and our nation. I am very resentful towards him for what he did to so many unsuspecting people and also for the loss of innocence in my 13-year-old daughter. She has been exposed to a reality of life right here in our hometown that we all strive to protect our children from.

As a parent and grandparent, I humbly solicit your prayers for our community as we continue to rebuild our faith in mankind.

Let us “Stand Strong” in memory of Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson and the surviving victims.

Losing players to injury is a familiar obstacle facing high school football coaches from year to year, but in eight-man football, it can be catastrophic when your roster is only comprised of around 18 players. Second-year Bethel Christian School (BCS) head football coach Frank Walker understands this dilemma because he went through it in his first season with the Eagles. Having lost starters Jaleel Berry, Stephen Walker and Bryce Bordelon to season-ending injuries at the beginning of last season, the three now find themselves primed for redemption to start the 2015 campaign.

“While many people often enjoy the benefits of their local farmers markets, this is a way to bring additional attention to those who do not frequent these markets,” said Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Jeff Davis is fortunate to have farmers markets offering fresh foods. In recent years, markets in Jennings, Welsh and Elton have grown in popularity thanks to their wide array of homegrown produce and homemade items like baked goods, condiments, and arts and crafts. The American Legion in Lake Arthur recently hosted markets, and Iota has its own Saturday morning event filled with fresh finds.

The benefit of these markets are seen by consumers and growers. For the buyers, purchasing produce at farmers markets often promises a much better price than typically seen in grocery stores. In addition, buyers do not have to worry about the use of harsh chemicals in growing the produce, or the produce’s country of origin.

For the growers, they are able to recover some money they have put into the soil, which in turn allows them to plant more as seasons change.

The government recognizes markets’ benefits, too.

The recent declaration was made via an official proclamation signed by Vilsack. This year marks the 16th Annual National Farmers Market Week recognizing the vital role that farmers markets play in the agricultural and food economy.

“It’s important to support your farmers markets because it’s a great way to buy fresh, Louisiana grown fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products among other things. It’s a way to visit with our local producers and support the local economy, not to mention all the added health benefits of buying fresh food,” said Strain.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry again secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to participate in the 2015 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) allowing senior citizens to buy locally grown fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey at farmers markets and roadside stands. This program helps to increase access and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by seniors, as well as supports local farming producers. Seniors who applied for the program this year have until November 30 to visit their local farmers market or roadside stand to utilize their vouchers. While the program is closed for this year, applications will be accepted again in March of 2016. Strain encourages senior citizens 60 years and older who meet certain income requirements to contact their parish Council on Aging next year to participate. In New Orleans, seniors can contact Catholic Charities.

For more information about the FMNP, go to the website or call 985-345-9483.

Funeral services for Mr. Randall J. Lopez, 62, will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015, in Miguez Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Paul Cavenah officiating.

Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery under the direction of Miguez Funeral Home of Jennings.

Visitation hours will be held from 2:30-10 p.m. today, Sunday, August 2, 2015, and will continue at 8 a.m. on Monday until the time of services.

Mr. Lopez died Friday, July 31, 2015, at 12:40 p.m. at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.

Mr. Lopez was a native of Hathaway and lifelong resident of Jennings. He was the office manager for Watson Electric. He loved his Mustang and he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and family. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his wife, Connie, of Jennings; a daughter, Emily Dugas of Lake Charles; four sons, Daron (Natalie) Dugas of Lake Charles, Drew (Christy) Lopez of Jennings, Luke (Rachel) Lopez of Welsh and Jordy (Brittney) Lopez of Roanoke; four sisters, Cheran (Oren) Trahan and Stella Lopez, both of Jennings, Kathleen (Darrell) Hammons of Conroe, Texas, and Christine (Kevin) Hammons of New Mexico; two brothers, Daniel (Francis) Lopez of Baton Rouge and and Carl (Lucinda) Lopez of Evangeline; and 15 grandchildren.

Mr. Lopez is preceded in death by his parents, Eula Mae Crochet and Allie Lopez; and a sister, Eva Lopez.

The family and friends of Clarence Broussard are mourning the loss of their loved one who was called from this life on July 30, 2015, at the age of 86.

A Mass of Christian burial to honor Clarence’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Jennings with Father Charles McMillin and Father Bert Borel officiating. Burial will follow in Andrus Cove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-9 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015, at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings with a rosary recited at 6:30 p.m. and will resume on Tuesday, August 4, at 8 a.m. until the time of his funeral Mass.

Clarence was a retired driller. Clarence loved the outdoors and duck hunting. He was also an avid football and baseball player for Lake Arthur. Clarence was a huge fan of the New Orleans Saints, LSU Tigers, New York Yankees, Jennings Bulldogs and the Lake Arthur Tigers. He also loved bowling and horse racing. Clarence was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

The family requests a gathering of loved ones from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church, at which time a Christian Mass will be held for Robert Gordon Fulton, 33, of Seabrook, Texas, with Father Marshall Boulet and Father Charles McMillin officiating.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Monday, August 3, 2015, at Matthews and Son Funeral Home with a rosary recited at 6 p.m. by Deacon Mike Tramel.

Robert was born in Kinder on July 27, 1981, to Daniel L. Fulton and Jennifer Guidry. Robert was called from this life on July 26, 2015, while surrounded by his family. Robert worked as a radiology tech. Robert enjoyed being around family and friends. Robert loved having fun and he was a very compassionate and giving person. Robert was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by his parents, Daniel Fulton of St. Martinville and Jennifer Guidry of Hathaway; two brothers, Seth (Montez) Fulton of Iowa and Dylan Fulton (Dina) of Seabrook, Texas; one sister, Hannah (Drew) Guinn of Hathaway; one stepsister, Tessa Guidry of Baton Rouge; one stepbrother, Corey Guidry of Seattle, Wash.; and 15 nieces and nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his stepfather, Randy Guidry; his grandparents, Robert and Zelma “Potsy” Fulton and Gordon and Dorothy “T-Dot” Link; and one half-sister, Dayna Acuff.

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http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/2015/08/reel-em-in/#commentsSat, 01 Aug 2015 20:12:02 +0000http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/?p=33357Residents at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home dusted off their fishing gear Friday and hauled in a nice catch at the lake on property.